- Payday loans in Ocala follow Florida law (Florida Statutes s. 560.404 (deferred presentment)).
- Borrowing $300 at the state maximum costs $30 (10% fee) plus a small verification fee.
- 1 credit union is headquartered in Ocala; ask about small-dollar loans before borrowing.
Ocala at a glance
| Ocala | |
|---|---|
| Population (2024 Census estimate) | 70,251 |
| Change since 2020 | +10% (growing fast) |
| County | Marion County |
| Size rank among 393 Florida places we cover | 43rd |
| Nearest larger city | Gainesville (about 37 miles) |
| Credit unions headquartered in town (NCUA) | 1 |
| Credit unions headquartered in Marion County | 1 |
| Other towns within 25 miles | 7 (about 30,628 residents) |
| Typical payday APR statewide (CRL 2023) | 293% |
Payday lending in Ocala follows Florida state law. Lenders that serve Ocala, in a store or online, must be licensed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.
Credit unions in Ocala
These credit unions have their main office in Ocala, according to NCUA call report data (June 2026):
- Ocala Community Credit Union (state charter)
Only federal credit unions can offer payday alternative loans (PALs), capped at 28% APR; state-chartered credit unions often have their own small-loan products. Membership rules apply, and only main offices are listed here; find branches near you with the NCUA Credit Union Locator. See how PALs work.
Payday loan rules that apply in Ocala
The main Florida rules for a payday loan in Ocala: maximum loan: $500 (single-payment); $1,000 for installment deferred presentment; maximum fee: 10% of the amount provided, plus a verification fee; loan term: 7 to 31 days (installment: 60 to 90 days). See the full Florida payday loan rules.
What a $300 loan costs in Ocala
At Florida’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $30 (10% fee) plus a small verification fee. Statewide, the typical APR on a $400 payday loan was 293% (Center for Responsible Lending, June 2023). Check any offer with our payday loan calculator.
Other help in Marion County before you borrow
- Call or text 211 for help with rent, utilities and food in Marion County.
- Ask a federal credit union about a PAL: $200–$2,000 at no more than 28% APR (how PALs work).
- Check your bank app for a small-dollar loan or early pay (bank options).
- Try a cash advance app if you have direct deposit (apps compared).
Towns near Ocala
The nearest larger city is Gainesville, about 37 miles away. See all 393 Florida cities.
Need cash before payday?Send one free request to our lender network. We are not a lender; offers and rates come from lenders.
Request a loanFrequently asked questions
Are payday loans legal in Ocala?
Yes. Payday loans are legal in Ocala under Florida state law, and lenders must be licensed by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation.
How much does a payday loan cost in Ocala?
At Florida’s maximum fee, borrowing $300 costs $30 (10% fee) plus a small verification fee. The typical statewide APR was 293% in 2023.
Are there credit unions in Ocala?
Yes. NCUA data lists 1 credit union with a main office in Ocala, including Ocala Community Credit Union.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau — City and town population totals, Vintage 2024
- U.S. Census Bureau — 2024 Gazetteer files (place locations)
- NCUA — Credit union call report data, June 2026 (FOICU)
- Florida Statutes s. 560.404
- Florida OFR — Payday lenders
- Center for Responsible Lending — Red Alert Rates: APRs on $400 single-payment payday loans (June 2023)
- CDFI Fund — NCUA payday alternative loans summary